What occurs during the placement stage of money laundering?

During the placement stage of money laundering, the primary focus is on the initial introduction of illicit funds into the financial system. This stage is critical because it is where the criminal attempts to distance the money from its illegal origins. By depositing or exchanging these funds through various means—such as cash deposits, purchasing assets, or using gambling—criminals aim to make the money appear legitimate.

This phase is often characterized by high-risk transactions, as they involve the movement of large sums of cash or assets that may raise red flags with financial institutions. Once the illicit funds are successfully placed into the financial system, the laundering process can proceed to the subsequent stages, blending or concealing the funds further to obfuscate their true source. This initial movement is essential for the overall laundering process, as failing to successfully place the funds could jeopardize the entire operation.